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Problem installing sp3 on windows xp home

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electronicsfreak

electronicsfreak

Technical User
Sep 2, 2004
2,509
US
I am working on my cousins computer and have come across a strange issue that I have not seen before. Whenever I try to install either service pack 3 or internet explorer 7, I get an error. Same type of error. Here is the sp3 one.

Service pack 3 setup error.

Failed to install catalog files.

Select "ok" to undo the changes that have been made.

Now I have did some research and most I have found were useless. As I have tried both windows update and also manually downloading the entire setup file through (network install download). Same error everytime. Now this computer was infected but I believe I have got it clean now.

Now I did find a site that seems like it might be good, but its dabbing in a couple folders that I do not know anything about. So I wanted to get an opinion on it before I started doing what it mentioned.


There is a point in wisdom and knowledge that when you reach it, you exceed what is considered possible - Jason Schoon
 
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Here is some info that may be of use:

Error messages when you try to install Windows XP Service Pack 3: "Service Pack 3 installation did not complete" and "An internal error occurred"

Steps to take before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3

You cannot install some updates or programs

Win XP SP2 Error code: 0x8007F01E in Windows Update



Ben
"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."
How to ask a question, when posting them to a professional forum.
Only ask questions with yes/no answers if you want "yes" or "no"
 
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Tried those, same error lol. Any other suggestions?

There is a point in wisdom and knowledge that when you reach it, you exceed what is considered possible - Jason Schoon
 
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Maybe the key to it is in what you wrote earlier, "Now this computer was infected but I believe I have got it clean...".

What infection(s) did it have, and what steps did you take to cleanse the machine?

I used to be a great believer in AVG and COMODO, but they both dismally failed to find a whole bunch of infections which AVIRA has caught.

ROGER - G0AOZ.
 
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I don't use avg anymore. I do not like it. I ran super anti spyware, malware bytes anti malware, antivir(with it configured how I configure it), spyware doctor, and hijackthis.

Also cleaned out temp using ccleaner, and also cleaned the registry cleaner. I am about to use a few outside windows tools to see if anything is left. It was massively infected.

I found around 50 trojans, and around 500 spyware/adware.

There is a point in wisdom and knowledge that when you reach it, you exceed what is considered possible - Jason Schoon
 
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Just to let you know what I am about to use since I forgot to mention it. I am about to use antivir rescue cd and probably dr web live cd.

There is a point in wisdom and knowledge that when you reach it, you exceed what is considered possible - Jason Schoon
 
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Have you plucked up enough courage to try -

How to fix “Failed to install catalog files” error

Make a System restore point before you run it, and backup (or rename) the files earmarked for deletion.

In your Windows folders will be the Service Pack logs which may contain information that might be helpful.
Locate the Windows XP SP3 Setup log files. The Setup program logs information about the Windows XP SP3 installation to the following log files: • Setupapi.log • Svcpack.log.
 
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I fixed it finally following this site.


I used the fix it software. It fixed all registry keys and it works fine now. Everything has been updated.



There is a point in wisdom and knowledge that when you reach it, you exceed what is considered possible - Jason Schoon
 
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lol I hate doing fresh installs or formatting. Nothing personal towards anyone, just to me, that is a defeat. I just like battling things like that as it helps me learn more. As I know I have a great deal more to learn.

Also, since you capped that one, am I getting a hint lol?


There is a point in wisdom and knowledge that when you reach it, you exceed what is considered possible - Jason Schoon
 
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Also, since you capped that one, am I getting a hint lol?
Click to expand...
LOL...

No, that was just the business person in me, when you spend too much time troubleshooting, it usually turns out to be more costly to the customer in the end than a total fresh install...

Ben
"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."
How to ask a question, when posting them to a professional forum.
Only ask questions with yes/no answers if you want "yes" or "no"
 
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This one was family, so no charge to them lol. Besides I kind of do freelance work, usually fixing most people's computers for free.

Rarely ever do I charge. lol Maybe I am too nice

There is a point in wisdom and knowledge that when you reach it, you exceed what is considered possible - Jason Schoon
 
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No worry, I too tend to keep things money free when it comes to friends and family...

but I also do this for a living, well kind off, actually building from scratch, WorkStations and Servers, also troubleshooting as a contractor in two firms (where time is, in essence, money)...

;-)


Ben
"If it works don't fix it! If it doesn't use a sledgehammer..."
How to ask a question, when posting them to a professional forum.
Only ask questions with yes/no answers if you want "yes" or "no"
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
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